In other words, the goal is actually not the perfect avoidance of all sin, which is not possible anyway (1 John 1:8–9; Romans 5:12), but the struggle itself, and the encounter and wisdom that comes from it.

When the darkness is so raw that we’re not able to stay with it, it’s too soon for us to begin the process of change. The journey inward can be intolerable – too painful or scary for us to walk. When that’s the case, we need to pause, accept where we are, and realize that who we are right now is where we need to put our attention. For now, the